Cabinet Approves ₹62,370 Crore Fertiliser Subsidy
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹62,370.02 crore subsidy budget for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Rabi 2026-27 season. The allocation, announced on Wednesday, November 11, represents a 64.3% increase over the previous season as the government seeks to protect farmers from rising international fertiliser prices.
Rabi Fertiliser Subsidy Increased by ₹24,417 Crore
The approved subsidy is ₹24,417.73 crore higher than the ₹37,952.29 crore allocated for Rabi 2025-26.
The revised Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates will apply from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, covering key fertilisers used during the winter cropping season.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war had increased global fertiliser prices and import costs.
DAP Fertiliser Price to Remain at ₹1,350 Per Bag
The government confirmed that di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) would continue to be available to farmers at ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag.
The subsidy framework covers 28 grades of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, including DAP and nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur (NPKS) formulations.
Under the NBS scheme, operational since April 2010, subsidies are provided to fertiliser manufacturers and importers to maintain affordable retail prices for farmers.
India Raises Fertiliser Support Amid Global Supply Concerns
The increased allocation comes despite an improvement in domestic fertiliser availability. India’s total fertiliser stocks reached approximately 23.52 million tonnes on November 10, up 35.6% from a year earlier.
The government said the revised subsidy rates would account for international price movements while ensuring adequate supplies during the Rabi season.
The decision is intended to reduce the impact of global market volatility on agricultural input costs.
